Championship week: it's crack for hoops junkies, on par with the NCAA Tournament itself. For Big 12 fans, the Madness starts Wednesday. Let's take a look at the early games:
THE STAKES: After which game did the Bears just quit trying? Observing the Baylor implosion has felt like watching a mission-less scene from Grand Theft Auto -- as though the Kansas loss in early February gave them a sixth police star.
Screw it. Defense is boring anyway.
On the flipside there's Nebraska, who must have driven their fans crazy this season, teasing a surprising run as the Little Engine That Could. Technically, they're still on the Bubble and could play their way into serious discussion with wins over Baylor and Kansas, but the 'Huskers pretty well blew their chances with the crushing loss at the buzzer to Texas A&M.
THE GAME: Talk about a battle of contrasting styles -- watching this thing's going to be like taking in an episode of one of those painfully awkward reality shows in which a pair of prissy nouveau parents are forced to child swap with two Sooner-loving rednecks. (Redundant?) The Huskers closed the regular season with a win in Waco, but with nothing -- and I mean nothing -- to lose, the Bears represent this tournament's uncomfortably dangerous team. If they decide to play defense and their shooters touch fire... they won't be an easy out.
PREDICTION & ROOTING INTEREST: Texas fans should pull for the Bears here: Should the 'Horns get by CU and KSU, they'd prefer to face a Kansas team that had to run for 40 minutes with Baylor. I like Baylor to come out and play to their potential, defending Nebraska while pushing the Bears' preferred tempo. Baylor 70 Nebraska 61
THE STAKES: For Colorado fans, let's be honest: a victory really just represents a chance to bury the major bummer of having just missed the opening weekend of Phish's reunion run.
Duuuuude! I totally called the Fluffhead opener!
For Texas... well, you could look at this any number of ways. Obviously, if you believe Texas is still on the Bubble, you really need to root for a win. But let's say Texas is in the field regardless of tomorrow's outcome. What, then?
Comment starter: Would Texas be better served with a quick exit (loss to CU, or win over CU + loss to KSU) which allowed players like Big Dexy to enjoy some much needed rest?
THE GAME: Colorado's lost 11 in a row, is vastly undersized to deal with Texas' frontcourt, and plays lousy defense. Texas simply needs to take care of the basketball, methodically work the post, play within its limitations, and all should be fine.
PREDICTION: Overtime in Boulder be damned, this looks like a comfortable match up for Texas. I expect a double-digit win. TEXAS 69 COLORADO 55
0 recs | 13 comments
and what a fluffhead it was . . .
chilimilkjones - March 10, 2009
So I heard
Still waiting on MMHorns to call me back and fill me in.
Peter Bean - March 10, 2009
+1
GTA and Phish reference in first Big 12 tourney post. I sense the madness coverage is just getting reved up.
jimmer - March 10, 2009
It's like the Fiesta Palace never died. nt
Peter Bean - March 10, 2009
word
jimmer - March 10, 2009
jealous
when the lights look good in a photo, you know it was badass
jimmer - March 10, 2009
Colorado
The key here may be conserving energy for the long run. Look for Smith, Hill, and Chapman to get as many minutes as they can. AJ has been an iron man this year, but forty minutes for four days in row might kill him. Dex is the other main worry.
Caradoc - March 10, 2009
I'm also worried about Johnson
we need him to return to at least 90% health if we want to make a run in the Big Dance.
goingforthecorner - March 10, 2009
Just Win Baby - Let Loser's Worry About Rest
realmccoy - March 10, 2009
Losers get all the rest they need
Caradoc - March 10, 2009
First games of the Big Dance
don’t usually start till Thursday and Friday correct?
There’s absolutely no reason to tank this Colorado game for extra rest. We would get at least 7 days off if we lost. That’s too much rest if you ask me. The KSU game is going to be close either way, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we lost.
goingforthecorner - March 10, 2009
I think Barnes takes a forward-thinking view
on using Pittman because he does look like he needs some rest right now. Since consistency has been such a problem for this team, Barnes needs to demand it every chance he gets. However, he’s going to have to strike a balance in the next nine days of holding players accountable, but allowing them to play with confidence, something they haven’t done well in stretches this season. I think the team needs a boost going into the NCAA — I know they feel like they can play with anyone, and they can for parts of games, but consistently playing well and with confidence needs to be established in the Big 12 Tournament.
Wescott Eberts (GoBR) - March 11, 2009
pull for the Bears
thanks a lot ya bastards.
Jon Johnston - March 11, 2009
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